The blaze began just before 11 a.m. on Sunday in a building on East 181st Street. Nine children were killed.
On Sunday, a five-alarm fire ignited in a 19-story Bronx apartment building, filling the high-rise with thick plumes of smoke that trapped tenants in stairwells and filled their lungs.
Officials described the blaze as one of the worst in recent memory.
More than 200 firefighters responded to extinguish the fire at 333 East 181st Street. They found victims on nearly every floor, Daniel A. Nigro, the city’s fire commissioner, said.
Here’s what we know about the fire.
When did it start and what caused it?
Fire Department officials said that the fire at Twin Parks North West was sparked just before 11 a.m. by a faulty electric space heater in a bedroom on the building’s third floor. The apartment’s occupants fled as the fire spread and left a door ajar behind them. This rapidly fanned smoke throughout the entire building.
Firefighters had the blaze under control by about 3:30 p.m.
Commissioner Nigro said that the fire itself had been contained to the apartment and hallway.
What about the fire alarms?
There were no known issues with the smoke alarms, and the fire alarm system was operational, said Kelly Magee, a spokeswoman for the property owners.
The first calls about the fire were placed by a neighbor who heard smoke alarms going off, CommissionerNigro said.
At least 19 were killed, including 9 children.
Mayor Eric Adams called the death count “horrific.”
Victims suffered from severe smoke inhalation, Commissioner Nigro said. Those with life-threatening injuries were moved to five hospitals in the borough.
The 120-unit building, which ranged from studios to four-bedroom apartments, had internal stairwells and not fire escapes.
Though people should have been aware of escape routes, heavy smoke limiting visibility likely prevented people from escaping, Commissioner Nigro added.
Officials have said the death toll may rise.
Who lived at the apartment building?
Mr. Adams said the building was home to a large immigrant community, with many from Africa. Community leaders and residents of the building said that the high-rise was known for its close-knit community and proximity to numerous mosques, making it especially attractive to African immigrants and practicing Muslims.
